FG renews push for national shipping carrier

By Taiwo Scholarstica

The Federal Government has again reiterated its commitment to establishing a national shipping carrier, with the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, saying the long-awaited project is now in its final phase and will be delivered through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP).

Speaking at the 2026 Day of the Seafarer celebration in Lagos on Thursday, June 25, Oyetola said the proposed national carrier would reduce Nigeria’s reliance on foreign shipping companies, cut capital flight caused by freight payments, strengthen indigenous shipping capacity, create jobs for Nigerian seafarers and provide sea-time training opportunities for cadets pursuing international certification.

The minister said the initiative forms part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to reposition the maritime sector and unlock the economic potential of the blue economy.

This is not the first time the government has expressed confidence in the project. At the Ministry’s stakeholders’ engagement and performance retreat held earlier this year in Lagos, Oyetola disclosed that discussions had advanced significantly and revealed that two global maritime firms, AD Ports Group and DP World of the United Arab Emirates, had indicated interest in partnering with Nigeria on the proposed carrier.

Since the establishment of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in 2023, reviving a national shipping carrier has remained one of its major policy priorities. The minister has consistently highlighted its importance at various maritime events, describing it as critical to Nigeria’s economic growth and maritime development.

However, despite the repeated assurances, industry stakeholders are increasingly seeking concrete progress on the project rather than fresh announcements. While many acknowledge the strategic value of restoring Nigeria’s presence in international shipping, the absence of publicly available implementation milestones has raised concerns about the pace of execution.

Nigeria has been without a national shipping carrier since the liquidation of the Nigerian National Shipping Line (NNSL) in 1995 following years of financial challenges, ageing vessels, rising debts and operational inefficiencies. Since then, the country has relied heavily on foreign shipping companies for international cargo movement, resulting in substantial freight payments leaving the country, reduced opportunities for Nigerian seafarers and limited growth of indigenous shipping operators.

For almost three decades, successive administrations have pledged to restore Nigeria’s national carrier, but previous efforts have failed to materialise.

The administration of President Bola Tinubu has renewed the push for the project, but details surrounding the proposed company remain unclear. Although the government has repeatedly mentioned discussions with AD Ports Group and DP World, it has yet to publicly outline the ownership structure, funding model or commercial framework for the venture.

Industry observers note that while interest from international partners is a positive development, it does not replace the need for a transparent implementation roadmap.

Many stakeholders also recall the unsuccessful attempt under former President Muhammadu Buhari, when plans for a new national carrier generated widespread optimism. The proposal, which was to be implemented through a Special Purpose Vehicle with foreign technical partners, later faced criticism over ownership, transparency, governance and concerns that indigenous shipowners were sidelined. The initiative ultimately failed to move beyond the planning stage.

That experience has made many industry players more cautious. Having witnessed several promises that never translated into operational vessels, stakeholders are now calling for visible progress before celebrating another proposed national carrier.

As discussions continue, several key questions surrounding the ownership structure, implementation timeline and operational framework of the proposed carrier remain unanswered.